Program FAQ

Criminal justice is the study of criminal behavior and its causes, and the effects on victims, the community, policing, and the criminal justice system. Most criminal justice majors concentrate on critical areas including law enforcement, corrections, the judicial process, juvenile law, and criminal behavior. Depending on their selected career track, criminal justice majors can also develop their scientific and investigative skills through internships and laboratory courses.

It should take someone two years of full –time enrollment to finish this program. It might take you longer depending on how many classes you register. Often, students that work full-time take fewer classes each semester, thus taking longer to finish the program.

The need for college-level training in the field of law enforcement has grown dramatically in recent years. Law enforcement agencies, the judicial process, corrections, probation, and parole programs have recognized the value of college training for their employees. The Associate's Degree prepares students to either continue their education at a four-year university or to enter any public safety agency at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as the private sector of insurance and security technology.

Yes. There are many law enforcement and security agencies actively recruiting at South Texas College.

Technology is a necessary tool for any career. The need to understand and use computers, software, and other devices is essential in any career in the social sciences.

No, on-line courses are not easier. They are more convenient, but not easier. It will require you to be more disciplined, to read and write more, and to test and submit assignments on-line. On-line courses are not for everyone. Students that are self-motivated and able to devote the time should do well

Technology is a necessary tool for any career. The need to understand and use computers, software, and other devices is essential in business, as it is with other careers.

No, on-line courses are not easier. They are more convenient, but not easier. It will require you to be more disciplined, to read and write more, and to test and submit assignments on-line.

Yes, you will have access to instructors during office hours and at other designated times. You will also have access to computer labs, libraries, and other facilities that traditional students have access to.

Yes, you will have access to instructors during office hours and at other designated times. You will also have access to computer labs, libraries, and other facilities that traditional students have access to.

Yes, financial aid should cover this program if you meet their eligibility requirements.

Yes, this is an accredited program of study that is transferable to other colleges.We have transfer agreements with most of the 4 year schools in south Texas.

If you find that you don’t like this program, you may switch to the traditional program or even change majors if necessary. The coursework will transfer into those programs wherever appropriate.

Yes, you should learn the same things as these instructors will also be teaching traditional in-class courses.

Yes, other colleges and universities have similar programs. Some are more comprehensive while others are less developed, but this seems to be the wave of the future.

The advantages of this program is that it give you more flexibility by allowing you to keep your full-time job or schedule and still complete the course of study.

Yes, you can change majors as the courses you are taking are transferable and have in-class counterparts at STC and other colleges.

The program has been designed to become a permanent part of this department. It may undergo changes as needed, but the goal is to make this a permanent part of the department.